Chard, broccoli, kale thrive in winter gardens

Some of the best vegetables you can grow here in the South don’t mind a little chill.

When the heat finally fades, our gardens enter a season of vibrant greens, crisp harvests and some truly beautiful foliage. In Mississippi, these crops can be grown not only through fall and winter, but well into spring.

Three of my favorite cool-season vegetables that will keep your beds productive through the cooler months are Swiss chard, broccoli and kale.

If you’re looking for vegetables that are both beautiful and delicious, Swiss chard should be at the top of your list.

This leafy green may be one of the most eye-catching plants you can grow. Its stems come in vivid shades of red, yellow and orange, creating a splash of color that rivals flowering ornamentals.

Swiss chard thrives in temperatures between 40 and 75 degrees. This makes it ideal for our fall, winter and spring gardens. Mature plants can handle temperatures down to the upper 20s, especially with a layer of mulch or light frost cloth.

I plant my chard in full sun, although it can tolerate light afternoon shade in warm areas. Chard prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0–7.0. Work compost into the bed before planting, and water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Chard is a “cut-and-come-again” crop. Harvest the outer leaves and let the center continue to produce new growth for steady harvests all season long.

Broccoli is a tried-and-true favorite that shines in cool weather.

It needs cooler temperatures -- ideally 55 to 70 degrees -- to form those firm, compact heads we love. Broccoli prefers nutrient-rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, I mix in compost and a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support strong growth.

Keep the soil slightly moist, especially during dry winter spells, because broccoli has shallow roots that dry out quickly. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and holds moisture.

Most broccoli varieties are cold hardy down to the mid-20s once established. Young plants benefit from protection during early frosts, but mature plants tolerate chilly nights very well.

After harvesting the main head, many broccoli varieties will continue producing smaller side shoots, providing a bonus harvest for several weeks.

No list of cool-season vegetables is complete without kale.

This leafy green is one of the most cold-tolerant vegetables you can grow. A light frost can actually enhance its flavor, giving the leaves a sweeter, richer taste.

Kale brings bold texture to the garden with its ruffled or curly foliage, and its productivity makes it hard to beat. For best growth, plant kale where it gets at least six hours of full sun a day, but it also performs well in partial shade.

It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0–7.5. Regular watering helps keep the leaves tender, but kale is more drought-forgiving than many other leafy greens.

Cold hardiness varies slightly by variety, but most kale tolerates temperatures down to the low 20s. Many varieties can handle even colder weather with protection. Siberian- and Russian-type kale tend to be especially hardy.

With thoughtful care and attention to their growing requirements, these cool-season vegetables will reward you with fresh, homegrown produce and colorful, textural interest through the cooler months.